A Mission of Love
Pastor Jason To participate in mission is to participate in the movement of God’s love toward people, since God is a fountain of sending love.
David J. Bosch
As we continue to reflect on mission this Lent, consider this quote from missiologist and theologian David Bosch. He reminds us that mission begins with God as a movement of love, specifically the divine sending love towards humans. Let’s explore this for just a few moments.
God’s love is understood by Christians in a specific way. It’s not just an abstract love. Instead, it is a relational love. And this relationship is expressed through the concept of the Trinity.
First, God is Father. While the word “Father” is often used for God in scripture, there are an extensive number of motherly image used as well. God as our heavenly Mother has, however, gotten far less attention over the centuries. Still, God loves as both a father and a mother. That is, God loves as a parent.
Second, God is Son. This implies relationship to God the father and mother. And it also implies brotherly relationship to humans who are God’s children. So, God loves as a brother. More specifically, God loves as Jesus (God’s Son and our brother), a brother who gives his life up for the salvation of his siblings.
And finally, God is Spirit. The Spirit is a more mystical “person” of the Trinity which is sent by the Father and Son to indwell humans, particularly as they come together in community. So, God loves as spirit who relates to you by taking up residence within you. That is, God loves as one who mystically inhabits your life as an advocate and helper.
Putting a this together: Mission is about God sending love to humans as a parent, as a brother who gives his life up, and as an indwelling spirit. To participate in this mission means to join with God to assist our Father-Mother, our saving brother and our advocating spirit in sending love to others through our human relationships. Or, to put is more simply, mission is about channeling the fountain of God’s love towards others.
If You Missed Sunday’s Sermon…
Read or listen to Mission: What if God is Already There? – John 20:21, 2 Cor. 5:19, Luke 4:18-19, John 15:9-12
This Week at Hood
Tuesday, February 27, Helping at the DUMA (Dunn United Ministerial Association) Food Pantry, E. Broad St next to the White Swan
Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 pm– Choir
Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 pm– “Young-ish” Small group
Thursday, March 2, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, March 4, 11:00 am – Worship with guest pastor Rev. Eric Thornton and music from Hickory Grove
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, March 13, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Serve at the DUMA food pantry
Wednesday, March 14, 6:00 pm – Love Wins: Kids Mission Projects – Backpack Buddies
Saturday, March 24, 8:00 am – 12:00 noon – Rise Against Hunger; childcare or packing food bags